Ultimate Comics X-Men #16Review

With the first installment of the Divided We Fall follow-up -- fittingly named United We Stand -- Brian Wood shows the comics world how a crossover event ought to be done. The threat of a splintered and decidedly anti-mutant United States looms large, but Wood delivers an intensely personal story that encompasses both the big picture and the small moments. The latter includes Nick Fury taking on a new protege, Rogue taking a chance, and Kitty Pryde attempting to rally an army.

The art enjoys an improvement with the team of Carlo Barberi and Paco Medina. Aside from all the girls having what I can only describe as “anime eyes,” everyone’s character design looks a little tighter while the settings are crisp and detailed. The most impressive image comes when Rogue meets up with a certain pink-haired young man and has a surprising but ultimately long-deserved moment. It takes up a full page and uses every element -- the light source, the juxtaposition of the character's bodies, the empty space around the characters -- to pleasing effect.

Simply put, I’m loving every bit of this comic book right now. The lax limitations of the Ultimate universe have allowed Wood to create a scenario where the mutant plight has been multiplied ten-fold. These truly feel like the end times where if someone doesn’t do something quick, then mutants will cease to exist. Kitty’s determination to lead her race to victory drives the story forward with a page-turning tension that’ll have you lapping up the story like a thirsty dog.

Joshua is a writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter or IGN, but only if you are prepared to hear more about Darth Maul, Green Lantern, and Doop than you would ever care to know.